CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers on Thursday signed Pro Bowl free agent safety Eric Reid, who was not re-signed by the San Francisco 49ers in the offseason amidst the controversy of his grievance with the NFL.
In 2016, Reid was the first player to join former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial equality and police brutality.
Last season, the NFLPA filed a grievance with the NFL on Reid's behalf, alleging that team owners and the league, influenced by President Donald Trump, colluded to prevent his employment because of his protests.
Reid will replace veteran Da'Norris Searcy, who last week was placed on injured reserve after suffering his second concussion in a month.
Panthers general manager Marty Hurney told ESPN on Thursday that the team began exploring its options Monday and brought Reid in to meet with the staff on Wednesday. Asked if Reid's grievance with the NFL was a factor, he said, "This was a football decision.''
"We made this decision based on the fact he's a good football player,'' Hurney told ESPN. "He's played at a very high level the last few years. We think he can come in and help us win games.''
A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Reid's grievance against the NFL is expected to proceed.
Earlier this week, Panthers wide receiver Torrey Smith, a former teammate of Reid's with the 49ers, made a case for signing the 2013 Pro Bowl selection.
"Honestly, with our injuries I hope he ends up here,'' Smith said. "I know how he is as a talent. If this is something where they come and talk to me about him I'll be glad to talk about him as a player, as a person. He's one of the best men I've been around, so I hope that is something that can happen for us because I know that with the injuries we have he's a guy that can help this team.''
"I really hope he gets a shot. He deserves it and it's not right what's happened to him.''
Smith, who has has defended the right of players to protest, called the 26-year-old Reid a "great leader'' and one of the "best men that I know.''
"Both of those guys should be playing,'' Smith said of Reid and Kaepernick. "They should be in the league, both of them.''
The Panthers (2-1) are on their bye week. They played with a three-safety rotation on Sunday against Cincinnati, starting Mike Adams at strong safety and Colin Jones at free, with rookie Rashaan Gaulden giving relief.
They signed Dezmen Southward, who was with the team in camp, to the practice squad on Monday and also have safety Cole Luke on the practice squad.
"Eric has been a starting safety in the NFL and has played at a high level throughout his career,'' Hurney said in a statement. "After we put Da'Norris Searcy on injured reserve, Ron [Rivera] and I discussed our options, and Eric was at the top of our list.
"He is a physical safety with good ball skills and play-making ability.''
The Panthers next play against the New York Giants on Oct. 7.
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